MA Dance Studies at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Join an advanced, hybrid dance studies degree program designed for working professionals to enhance and extend your pedagogical and artistic practice. Whether you perform, choreograph or teach, this six-semester program allows you to continue working while advancing your education. The curriculum provides a broad base of study in dance educational theory and creative practice.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Theatre and Dance | Duration: 36 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

In-person studio work will include global dance forms, functional anatomy and choreography. Online coursework will include arts policy and advocacy, neuroscience for dance, dance pedagogy and curriculum design. A thesis is required.

Career pathways

Potential careers include K-12 Dance Educator, Dance Educator, Choreographer, Professional Dancer, Arts Administrator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): In addition to the graduate school’s admissions requirements, prospective students must submit the following materials . A 400-500-word statement of interest and goals for graduate study A resum é of education and experience in dance (teaching and/or professional performance/choreography) A writing sample ( a research paper , artistic, or pedagogical philosophy ) Two letters of recommendation A Vimeo or private You Tube link of solo performance, choreography, and/or teaching

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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